About the Project
The University of Reading owns land south of the M4 between junctions 10 and 11 and is working with Partnerships for Renewables to develop a wind energy scheme on the land around Rushy Mead.
The work carried out to date suggests that the site could accommodate four wind turbines with a generation capacity of between two and three megawatts each (MW).
Planning application
Since the first public exhibitions were held in Aborfield, Shinfield and Lower Earley during November 2008, we have been continually evaluating the suitability of the Rushy Mead site for a wind energy development and we are now pleased to announce that following a detailed assessment of the wind resource and extensive discussions with aviation authorities, we have submitted a planning application to Wokingham Borough Council in October 2010.
To access all the planning documents, please see the Planning Application tab on the left-hand side.
New Report on Shadow Flicker
In March 2011 the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) published a report which updated the governments evidence base on shadow flicker - the flickering effect caused when rotating wind turbine blades periodically cast shadows over neighbouring properties as they turn, through constrained openings such as windows. This report can be viewed via the DECC website by clicking here.
The DECC report confirms that the methodology we used to assess potential shadow flicker for the Rushy Mead development is appropriate. It also concludes that the mitigation measures which have been employed to operational wind turbines, such as turbine shut down strategies, have proved very successful, to the extent that shadow flicker cannot be considered to be a major issue in the UK.
While the conclusions are positive we recognise the importance of ensuring that any future development is designed to reflect the site-specific environment surrounding it. We also recognise the importance of putting the appropriate measures in place to ensure that shadow flicker does not become a cause for concern. This is why we carried out a thorough shadow flicker assessment at Rushy Mead and why we will welcome an appropriate shadow flicker planning condition being put in place by the council. Planning conditions and mitigation measures have been shown to work effectively and we expect the measures at Rushy Mead to include shut down strategies, as is industry best practice.
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